Record Participation in IIT Gandhinagar's Explorer Fellowship
Ahmedabad: Fifty-six students from IIT Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) are set to embark on a 42-day journey across India this year under the institute's Explorer Fellowship programme, marking the highest participation in the decade-old initiative's history. The fellowship challenges students to explore interior villages, developing towns, and grassroots organisations, all on a budget of just Rs 40,000.
Programme Requirements and Themes
The programme requires fellows to visit at least six states, including at least one in the northeastern part of the country and one each in the northern and southern regions. Travel must be undertaken in sleeper-class train coaches or state-run buses, with accommodation in budget places such as youth hostels and homestays. Each cohort is encouraged to organise its travel around a self-chosen theme. Past themes have spanned architecture, dams, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, regional cuisines, and sartorial traditions.
"One of the things we really enjoy in the fellowship programme is seeing students' creativity each year in coming up with innovative themes," said Professor Chetan Pahlajani, convenor of the initiative.
Student Experiences from Previous Cohorts
Last year, Ayush Bhagat, a B.Tech student in materials science, covered Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa. Focusing on music, dance, and local cultural traditions, he documented regional practices throughout his journey. "The biggest takeaway, however, was understanding India up close and forging strong bonds of friendship," he said.
Fellow Rajani Meena, also from the 2025 cohort, cited a visit to the Shillong mountains as among his most memorable experiences. "We were above the clouds. It was truly unforgettable," he said, adding that travelling on a tight budget had taught him financial management, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of travel as an experience rather than a comfort-seeking exercise.
The Explorer Fellowship continues to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and communities across India, fostering personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the country's rich heritage.
